Бремя мнимого выбора

Abstract

Pseudo-alternative nature of the forthcoming presidential election in Russia is a logical outcome of the power and influence vertical that has been formed for many years in this state. Starting from this presupposition, the author analyses the public opinion dynamics among the Russian citizens relative to the assumed criteria of choice as to a presidential contender on behalf of the party in power (i.e. “winner”), on the one hand; as well as electoral intentions and expectations of the population, on the other hand. Based on this analyze, the author arrives at the conclusion that the interdependence between the functions of ruling clique and mass may change as a result of transition from “procedural” to historical choice. A new structure of society characterized by a gradual weakening of the highest ranks can pave the way for modern patterns of two-sided dependencies in the future.